Hajra Naz
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over the 25th provincial cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The meeting resulted in sweeping reforms and approvals across various sectors, emphasizing labor welfare, agricultural development, infrastructure upgrades, and governance improvements.
Relief for Farmers and Agricultural Reforms
A revision to the Food Grains (Licensing Control) Ordinance, 1957, was one of the major agricultural decisions. Flour mills are now required to procure at least 25% of their wheat directly from farmers, with non-compliance resulting in license cancellation.
Additionally, the cabinet authorized the Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system and deregulated the wheat industry, allowing for the safe storage of wheat with government reimbursement for storage expenses.
A significant step toward agricultural innovation was the approval of an MoU with China’s Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences. This would introduce hybrid rice seeds in conjunction with Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad. The CM emphasized that research must benefit farmers and ordered the immediate clearance of water supply scheme dues.
Landmark Ration Card Program for Workers
The cabinet approved Pakistan’s largest labor relief initiative under which 1.5 million workers will receive Rs. 10,000 per month through a newly introduced ration card program.
Infrastructure Development and Eco-Friendly Transit Solutions
The introduction of electric bus services in Rajanpur and other cities was approved by the government. Under CM Maryam’s T-30 Vision, feasibility studies for mass transport projects (yellow, blue, and purple lines) in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Lahore were also approved.
Healthcare and Education Upgrades
In addition to authorizing the building of the Nawaz Sharif Early Education Centre of Excellence at the Children’s Library Complex in Lahore, the cabinet approved funding for hospitals, the purchase of medications, and hospital equipment.
Comprehensive Labor Code and Legal Reforms
A new Punjab Labour Code 2024 was introduced, extending protection to workers in agriculture and construction sectors. Additionally authorized were changes to the Punjab Motor Vehicle Rules 1969 that regulated rickshaws.
A legislation was amended, including the Punjab Judicial Academy Act of 2007, the Specialized Medical Institutions Act of 2024, and the Consumer Protection Act of 2005. The Punjab Workers Welfare Fund Act of 2019 and the Punjab Employees Social Security Ordinance of 1965 both authorized social security upgrades.
Security and Counter-Extremism Measures
Along with allocating 30,000 acres of land for the families of martyrs and wounded service members, the cabinet approved the creation of a Center of Excellence to combat extremism. Additionally, changes to the Anti-Terrorism Act were approved.
Further Governance and Administrative Approvals
- Approval of the Climate Policy and Technology Centre (CPTC) by uniting the Environment Policy Centre and Environment Technology Centre.
- ADP 2024–2025 includes the computerization of police stations (CPS).
- Amendments to the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Ordinance.
- Approval of jeepable tracks construction in Koh-e-Sulaiman.
- Financing for WASA Rawalpindi and the reorganization of the PESSI and wildlife boards.
- Appointment approvals for Anti-Corruption Court Faisalabad, Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Sargodha, and LDA Tribunal.
- Approval of the Government Technical Training Institute, Kasur’s land purchase.
Additional Financial and Regulatory Decisions
The cabinet approved:
- Transfer of monies to PSPA from Punjab Model Bazar Management Company.
- Rs. 5 billion supplementary grant for FY 2024-2025.
- Punjab Protected Areas and Wildlife Management Board reconstitution.
- Punjab Probation and Parole Service Rules 2025.
- Punjab Public Service Commission audit report for 2024.
This comprehensive session reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to proactive governance and inclusive development under CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership.
